Wicker Works

Story: Rohan Francis

Since the devastating floods of 2007 shops and businesses on the Wicker have endured a particularly tough period of trading. Now, nearly three years after the Don burst its banks, work is finally underway to protect the area from flooding. More positive developments will begin this summer including a brand new footbridge, a pocket park and the reopening of the Five Weirs Walk.

Flood protection

In February the Environment Agency began to clear the river at Millsands and Blonk Street, taking out vegetation and trees that might block the water flow in times of heavy rain. According to one river expert, much of the damage to bridges is caused by small trees being uprooted and swept along in the flow, something which happened to Corporation Street bridge in 2007. This work comes as a relief to some of the area's retailers. Ellie Bennett, of the Wicker Pharmacy and member of the Wicker Community Forum said, “After taking two years to recover from the floods, it's reassuring to see the flood protection work finally underway.”

When the Environment Agency's work is complete, Sheffield City Council will create permanent access to the water's edge at Nursery Street for activities such as fishing and canoeing. They will also put in sand bastions (sand filled wire baskets) to protect the area from high waters.

Pocket Park

The Council originally budgeted £10million for flood work but its investment has now been reduced to £500,000 meaning that plans for a ‘pocket park’ have been scaled down and landscaped terracing by the water's edge wont be included in the current phase of work. Tree and shrub planting will still go ahead in the summer.

New river crossing

Once the river clearance is completed, the section of footpath along the Five Weirs Walk will be reopened. The Council will then build a new bridge, to be called the Smithfield footbridge, which aims to connect the Wicker with the canal basin and Victoria Quays. Following this, Hotel group Holiday Inn have unveiled plans for a new riverside development on Victoria Station Road.

Long term proposals for the Wicker aim to reunite it with the town centre by improving pedestrian routes. City Development Manager for Sheffield City Council, Simon Ogden, said this work “will continue the plan to create good quality public spaces throughout the city centre”.

For more information or to attend the regular meetings of the Wicker Community Forum contact Raymond Walton on: 223 2100 or email: raymond@syac.org.uk

Their next meeting will be at 2pm on Tuesday 30th March at SYAC, the Wicker.